10 Advantages of a To-Do List

A to-do list is a simple yet powerful working tool. The list consists of your routine daily tasks and the tasks relating to your long-term goals. It is even something that you have promised your son to do. It may not be important but you have to keep the promise. The list has a far-reaching positive effect on the list maker. A to-do list is beneficial and useful in many ways:


1. It is in writing: All the tasks are listed and nothing has been left out. You will not forget to do; unless you have not taken out from your shirt pocket and looked at it. It is a constant reminder of the things to do. The same list can still continue to be used until all tasks are done with.

2. It is prioritized according to the importance of each task: You will attend to the most important task first thing in the morning. With the list, you stay focus on the right thing to do

3. No need to remember: It is to free your mind for creative thinking. It is more productive than committing the list to your memory and you may forget one to two things in the end.

4. The satisfaction of a job accomplished: When you tick or cross out a task as soon as it is done, it gives you a sense of achievement and you will be pleased to know that you can get things done.

5. Boost your confidence: By following the list faithfully, it confirms that you are a self-starter. You don’t procrastinate and you get things done right away

6. An organized person: When you follow the list you don’t rush about to get things done but you execute the work smoothly and there is no panic situation or stress.

7. Do less but accomplished more: You may not have spent a lot of time to complete the most important task but you have achieved the desired results. You are productive by following the 80/20 rule.

8. Advance planning: Making a to-do list every day is actually carrying out advance planning. It is, in fact, an effective and efficient way to GTD.

9. A good night’s sleep: The list is usually done in the evening to plan for the following day. When the list is done, it gives you peace of mind and you can go to sleep soundly as you have taken care of the tasks ahead of you.

10. Better time management: It means there will be time for you to take breaks between tasks. You will also have more time to do things you enjoy doing


Start making a list tonight. Don’t be too ambitious and make a long list. It should be manageable, attainable, and meaningful to you.